The Monarch Travel Group is considering adding more regional flying from 2012.

07.03.2011Speaking at the Global Travel Group conference in Leicester this morning, Hugh Morgan, managing director of Monarch Travel Group tour operations division, said the group was currently considering an increase in regional flying.

He said the group was looking at basing aircraft in Bristol, East Midlands and Newcastle airports.

"It is a big investment but we can't utilise a foreign carrier as people don't necessarily support it. We would have to base aircraft at the airports.

"I think we will be doing a lot more regional flying from next year."

He said a decision would be made "very soon" once the company had evaluated all the logistics involved.

07.06.2011Monarch, the scheduled leisure airline, has this week launched its programme of flights for Summer 2012 and will be introducing new scheduled services to Turkey and its first ever summer scheduled flights to Egypt.

Notes:• New Monarch flights between Gatwick and Antalya launch on 03 May and operate on Thursday and Sunday• New Monarch flights between Gatwick and Dalaman launch on 26 April with daily services• New Monarch flights between Gatwick and Sharm el Sheikh launch on 03 May and operate on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday• New Monarch flights between Manchester and Dalaman launch on 01 May with daily services• New Monarch flights between Manchester and Sharm el Sheikh launch on 03 May and operate on Thursday and Sunday

13.06.2011The Luton-based carrier wants the aircraft to replace its four Airbus A300-600s. It has six Boeing 787-8s on order, although it cancelled options on a further four some time ago. In 2008 the A300-600s were described by then managing director Tim Jeans as "not as reliable as we would like". They will now soldier on until the 787s arrive, said the spokeswoman.

Monarch’s new scheduled flights to Sharm el Sheikh will operate three times per week from Gatwick and Manchester airports on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, starting from 03 November 2011.

Commenting on the launch of the new flights to the Red Sea, Managing Director of Monarch Airlines, Kevin George said, “We are delighted to be launching new scheduled flights to Sharm el Sheikh this winter, which follows hot on the heels of our announcement last month to launch flights to the resort for summer 2012. This now means that from November 2011 we will have year-round scheduled flights to the Red Sea resort and further supports our shift to focusing on scheduled flying.

Monarch’s new scheduled flights between Gatwick and Barcelona will operate daily from 21 October 2011, increasing to 11 flights per week from 30 October 2011 and brings the total number of scheduled destinations served by the airline from Gatwick to 13.

6th-September-2011UK holiday carrier Monarch Airlines has emerged as the latest customer to cancel its Boeing 787 order, confirming it was the carrier behind last week's axing of six aircraft from the twinjet's backlog.

The company said it has "reassessed its decision" to purchase the aircraft, following plans disclosed in June to concentrate on reinforcing its scheduled short-haul operations.

But it added that the cancellation "does not affect" the plan by its maintenance arm, Monarch Aircraft Engineering, to support the 787.

Monarch said the maintenance division was "committed" to providing line and base services for the twinjet from early next year, along with its support for Boeing 737, 757, 767 and 777 jets.

"We will see further expansion into new UK bases and new routes from 2012, while remaining dedicated to supporting our long-standing tour operator partner needs," said the airline.

"Further consideration will be given to developing and strengthening long-haul options in the future."

Monarch, which revealed its plan to acquire the Rolls-Royce Trent-powered 787s in 2006, had originally intended to take delivery from 2010. But it recently said that delays to the programme had pushed their introduction back to around 2014.

Its order cancellation brings the number of 787s in the firm backlog down to 821.

Monarch embarks on its “Italian Job” with significant expansion to flight routes

Monarch embarks on its “Italian Job” with significant expansion to flight routes.

Scheduled leisure airline introducing new routes into Italy and Croatia.

03 11 2011Monarch Airlines is announcing a significant expansion into the Mediterranean during summer 2012 launching 14 new flight routes across Italy, Croatia and Greece.

The new routes are part of Monarch’s expansion strategy revealed in June this year that is focusing on its scheduled services and expanding its network to new leisure destinations across Europe.

There will also be two additional Airbus A320 aircraft being added into Monarch’s fleet from March 2012, which is the start of its expansion plans that will see the fleet grow from 30 to around 40 aircraft.

Flights to the 14 new routes from Monarch’s four UK bases go on sale from the 4th November, available from: [Tienes que estar registrado y conectado para ver este vínculo]

Monarch Airlines’ new routes for Summer 2012 include:

- Manchester to Dubrovnik, Milan, Venice and Verona- Birmingham to Dubrovnik, Heraklion, Milan, Rome and Venice- London Gatwick to Dubrovnik, Heraklion, Milan and Venice- London Luton to Rome

Commenting on the expansion plans, Managing Director of Monarch Airlines, Kevin George said: “The strategy for Monarch Airlines is now firmly focused on its scheduled operations and we are delighted to be adding these new routes to our already extensive network of leisure destinations across Europe.

“Adding Italy to our network will further reinforce our position as the leading leisure focused airline serving the Mediterranean and the Canaries. The addition of two new aircraft to the fleet is great news, and marks the start of our fleet expansion plans, which will see the fleet grow from 30 to around 40 aircraft in the medium term.

“In addition to growing our network, we are committed to providing high levels of care and service for our customers and are constantly striving for innovative ways of providing great value benefits for them at year-round low fares. The introduction of our discounted ‘Happy Hour’ cheap flights and our fight against unjust debit and credit card fees are examples of ways in which Monarch Airlines looks after its customers and we are excited about introducing these initiatives across our expanding network.”

Flights on all Monarch’s new routes will be on sale from Friday, 4th November via [Tienes que estar registrado y conectado para ver este vínculo] and available to book until October 2012.

09/12/2011Monarch Airlines is to offer flights to Orlando Sanford International from both Cardiff and Newcastle airports next summer on behalf of its sister companies. The carrier is offering a weekly schedule from each destination between May and August on behalf of independent tour operator, Cosmos, and sister flight only provider to the trade, Avro as well as up to twice weekly flights from London Gatwick and Manchester and a limited offering from Glasgow between June 28 thru July 12.

Airline to launch a new base at East Midlands Airport and expand services from Birmingham Airport.

03-05-2012Scheduled leisure airline Monarch has today announced a further expansion of its operations across the Midlands with the launch of a new base at East Midlands Airport, and also the growth of services from Birmingham Airport.

The airline, already a leading leisure carrier at Birmingham Airport, will introduce a new base at East Midlands Airport from late summer 2012 and launch new flights to key leisure destinations across the Mediterranean, including Malaga, Alicante, Palma (Majorca) and Faro (Portugal).

In addition, Monarch will be expanding its operations from Birmingham Airport through the introduction of additional frequencies on existing routes to Malaga, Alicante, Faro, Rome and Palma, plus the addition of a new route to Barcelona. A UK base for Monarch since 2005, the airline is already one of Birmingham’s leading scheduled airline, flying over 875,000 passengers every year to over twenty destinations across Europe.

Commenting on the launch of a new base at East Midlands Airport and the expansion of services from Birmingham Airport, Managing Director of Monarch Airlines, Kevin George said, “In light of recent industry changes, opportunities have opened up in the market. Iit has become clear that the Midlands will be underserved as a region in the future, and that there is a lack of quality carriers to serve customers travelling from the area.”

“As an airline with over 40 years heritage and a stronghold in the Midlands already, the expansion of our existing services from Birmingham and the launch of operations from East Midlands makes perfect sense for Monarch, and accelerates the strategy we announced last year to focus on the development of our scheduled operations into key leisure destinations across the Mediterranean, the Canaries and North Africa.”

George continues. “The further expansion of our services from the Midlands will provide even more customers in the Midlands with choice and flexibility and protects jobs at East Midlands Airport in the future.”

08-05-2012Leading scheduled leisure airline, Monarch, has announced plans to launch a total of twelve new routes for winter 2012/13 including scheduled flights from Leeds Bradford International Airport for the first time.

Expanding on its already extensive network of scheduled destinations, ten of the new routes will provide easy access to some of Europe’s best winter ski resorts via Grenoble airport in France and Friedrichshafen and Munich airports in Germany.

Grenoble, Friedrichshafen and Munich airports are famed for their excellent links to ski resorts covering the Western, Central & Northern and also Eastern Alps in France, Switzerland, Bavaria and Austria. Complementing these new services, the airline’s existing services to Milan, Venice and Verona, which will operate year-round, are ideally placed for access to the Southern Alps and the Dolomites. In addition Munich provides year-round appeal with many seasonal and cultural events such as the world’s largest fair, Oktober Fest, held annually for 16 days in September and October.

The remaining three routes will target holidaymakers craving winter sun with new flights to the Portuguese island of Madeira and an expansion of its existing programme to Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt.

The 12 routes will launch at different stages over the autumn/winter period with Munich flights launching from mid September and Madeira and Sharm el Sheikh routes launching from the end of October 2012. The Grenoble and Friedrichshafen routes will launch mid-December and will run until early April 2013 concluding with the Easter holidays.

Flights to Munich and Grenoble airport will be further supported with additional flights from Leeds Bradford International Airport.

Kevin George, Managing Director of Monarch Airlines comments: “The launch of these routes for winter 2012/13 marks an exciting new era for Monarch as we introduce our first programme of scheduled ski flights and target a new customer base of skiers looking to fly to Grenoble, Friedrichshafen, Munich as well as via our numerous Italian destinations. The network will also be further strengthened by the addition of services from Leeds Bradford International Airport which will be launching this winter, and we are delighted to be able to bring our high levels of care and service to customers travelling from West Yorkshire in the future.”

He continues: “This news comes on the back of our announcement last week regarding Monarch’s expansion in the Midlands through the introduction of additional frequencies and routes from Birmingham Airport, and the launch of a new base at East Midlands Airport from late summer 2012. The addition of expanded services in the Midlands, combined with 12 new winter routes will add almost one million seats to the Monarch programme over the next 12 months and supports our growth plans for the airline over the coming years.”

Tuesday 8 May 2012A NEW airline has announced it will operate from Leeds-Bradford Airport. Monarch Airlines will be offering flights to Grenoble and Munich from this winter to attract the ski-ing market.

Airport bosses say the move will benefit the local economy and boost passenger numbers.

Monarch Airlines carries seven million leisure passengers annually to European, African and US destinations. It has been operating for 40 years.

Kevin George, managing director of Monarch, told the YEP: “We have been looking to expand into Yorkshire for some time and have been talking to Leeds-Bradford for a while.”

“Monarch is about leisure and leisure passengers are looking for a relaxed, smooth and efficient way through the airport but with the facilities to start their leisure time.”

The airline will start offering three weekly flights to Grenoble and two weekly flights to Munich in December. Both airports are well-known for their links to top ski resorts.

Mr George said that there would be further route announcements in the “next few weeks” and said that jobs would be created, although no figures were given.

Expanded services from Birmingham Airport, including new scheduled flights to Nice and Barcelona.

First programme of scheduled flights from new UK base, East Midlands Airport.

17-05-2012Monarch, the leading scheduled leisure airline, has today expanded its flight programme for Summer 2012, introducing two new scheduled services from Birmingham Airport to Barcelona and Nice. The airline also today launched its first programme of flights from its new UK base, East Midlands Airport, operating to key leisure destinations across the Mediterranean.

Flights for Summer 2012 from East Midlands Airport will start from 31st August 2012 and will include daily services to Malaga, Alicante, Faro (Portugal) and Palma (Majorca) all available to book via [Tienes que estar registrado y conectado para ver este vínculo]

Commenting on the additional flights for Summer 2012 flights and the new routes, Managing Director of Monarch Airlines, Kevin George said, “We are delighted to be expanding our Summer 2012 flights programme from Birmingham Airport and launching our first programme of flights from East Midlands Airport; providing greater choice to customers in the Midlands.”

“The launch of operations from East Midlands accelerates the strategy we announced last year to focus on the development of our scheduled operations into key leisure destinations across the Mediterranean, the Canaries and North Africa.”

“The addition of new daily services from Birmingham Airport to Nice, a new scheduled destination for the airline and the new services to Barcelona supports our determination to deliver an all-encompassing proposition; offering choice, value and superior customer service from all of the major gateways in the UK.”

18-05-2012Leading scheduled leisure airline, Monarch, has launched its flights for Summer 2013, which will for the first time include new summer flights to Madeira (Funchal), Munich and Nice plus services from East Midlands Airport. Flights for Summer 2013 are now available to book at [Tienes que estar registrado y conectado para ver este vínculo]

Monarch’s new summer flights include the following scheduled services:• London Gatwick to Madeira• London Luton to Munich• Manchester to Munich• Birmingham to Barcelona, Madeira, Munich, Nice and Sharm el Sheikh• East Midlands to Alicante, Faro, Malaga and Palma

Commenting on the launch of flights for Summer 2013 and the expanded flying programme, Managing Director of Monarch Airlines, Kevin George said, “We are delighted to have our Summer 2013 flights on sale so early, which provides customers with the opportunity to plan ahead and grab a great deal to their favourite holiday destinations. Flights to Madeira and Munich are launching this winter, however we are already seeing strong demand for them from all our UK airports and it is great that we are able to continue them as year-round services.”

“Monarch will be expanding its schedule of services from Birmingham Airport this summer in light of bmibaby’s closure and will be launching a new base at East Midlands Airport. These new and additional services will be continuing for Summer 2013 providing customers in the Midlands with choice, value and great customer service for their holiday flights.”

Monarch’s scheduled flights are now available to book until October 2013.

23-05-2012Monarch, the leading scheduled leisure airline, recently announced it was to launch a new UK base and flights from East Midlands Airport from 31 August 2012, with the introduction of four new routes. The airline is delighted to now be expanding its scheduled services for Winter 2012/13 and Summer 2013, with the addition of further new routes to Tenerife, Lanzarote and Ibiza.

New flights to Ibiza have also been added to the flight programme for Summer 2013.

Commenting on the new flights for Winter 2012/2013 and Summer 2013, Managing Director of Monarch Airlines, Kevin George said, “We have been delighted by the response to the announcement that we will be opening a new base and new flights from East Midlands Airport this summer. Demand for flights has been already been strong and it is great that hot on the heels of the launch, we are able to expand our network and add new routes to Tenerife, Lanzarote and Ibiza.”

“The rapid expansion of our network from East Midlands Airport is testament to our commitment to provide choice, value and superior customer service to more and more customers in the Midlands.”

As part of the multi-million pound investment, Monarch will launch 12 new scheduled routes for summer 2013 from Leeds Bradford.

10-07-2012Monarch, the scheduled leisure airline, has today announced the launch of its sixth UK base, Leeds Bradford, as well as twelve new routes and the continuation of the Leeds Bradford to Munich route for Summer 13; further strengthening the airline’s operations from the North of England and creating 200 jobs within the local area.

The multi-million pound investment from the airline will see two A320 aircraft based at Leeds Bradford and will provide a new choice for customers seeking to travel to Monarch’s extensive range of leisure destinations.

The new scheduled services will include flights to key destinations across the Mediterranean, including Turkey, Italy, Cyprus, Palma and Portugal. The announcement represents a further increase in Monarch’s scheduled flights from Leeds Bradford following the launch of flights to ski destinations, Munich and Grenoble, from December 2012.

Commenting on the launch of the new base from Leeds Bradford and the introduction of new flights for summer 2013, Managing Director of Monarch Airlines, Kevin George said “The strategy for Monarch Airlines is now firmly focused on its scheduled services and we are delighted to add Leeds Bradford as our sixth UK base. The addition of thirteen routes further strengthens our already extensive network of leisure destinations across Europe from many of the major gateways in the UK.”

“Monarch’s operations continue to grow from strength to strength and we have expanded our operations based on demand; offering passengers choice, value and great customer service. The launch of Leeds Bradford as a base for the airline has the potential to create around 200 jobs within the local area and will provide a gateway for inbound tourism with an estimated 20,000 EU passengers travelling from Europe to West Yorkshire.”

John Parkin, Chief Executive of Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “We are pleased to welcome a Monarch base at Leeds Bradford Airport for Summer 2013. Monarch’s extensive route network will deliver increased destination choice for leisure travellers flying to and from Yorkshire. This investment provides significant benefits to the local economy alongside bringing new jobs to the region. It is tremendous news for the Leeds City Region and we look forward to a successful relationship with Monarch.”